Greater Johannesburg is South Africa's largest and most vibrant city and includes the former municipalities of Midrand, Randburg, Bedfordview and Sandton. It is a region that was built on gold. Gold had been found in the area as far back as 1853 but it was not until 1886 that anyone realized just how big the gold reserves were. By 1889 Greater Johannesburg had grown into a rowdy frontier town full of brothels, beer halls and gambling dens. In that year alone more than 630000 ounces were recovered from the reef. A visit to Gold Reef City Theme Park, a reconstructed gold mining village built around Crown Mines no.14 shaft, will give the visitor some idea of life in the region in the late 19th Century, and a trip can be taken underground down the mine shaft.
To the North of central Johannesburg lies Sandton City, a vast complex of hotels, shopping malls and banks all under one roof. This is, without doubt, the finest shopping complex in Africa and one of the world's finest shopping malls, with over 250 stores and shops gathered together under one roof. Sandton has become the new business centre of Greater Johannesburg as most of the big institutions have moved out of the old Johannesburg CBD. Sandton also boasts four nature reserves, two bird sanctuaries and five river trails. Entertainment in the area includes the Montecasino Leisure Complex in Fourways.
By far the fastest growing town within Greater Johannesburg is Midrand, once known as Halfway House. Midrand is situated just to the North of the N1 highway that circles Johannesburg and is bordered by Centurion in the North. Because of its position halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Midrand has become the most attractive area for industrial and commercial development, and Africa's largest mall is planned to be built there in the near future. The whole of the rural area around Midrand is devoted to equestrian pursuits and there is a Lippizaner showground arena with regular shows of these famous horses. In the Kyalami suburb of Midrand is the famous motor racing circuit where regular meetings are held. There are bird sanctuaries in the suburbs of Glen Austin and Beaulieu. There are two film production studios on the Old Pretoria Road in Midrand.
The number of tourist attractions in Greater Johannesburg are too numerous to list all of them, and can be seen suburb by suburb. There are several live theatres including the large new Johannesburg Civic Theatre, numerous cinemas, helicopter trips, the Johannesburg Zoo, theme parks, craft markets galore, such as the Rosebank African Craft Market and flea markets in several different parts of Greater Johannesburg, including the Bruma Flea Market near Bedfordview. There are the Botanical Gardens, Nature Reserves like the one at Lone Hill, the mini town at Santarama, the Turffontein Race Course near Rosettenville, several bird sanctuaries and nature reserves, ice skating, musical fountains and a planetarium. There is sailing on the Emmerentia Dam, hiking on the Braamfontein Spruit or the Wilds, 4x4 and quad trails, horse trails and numerous museums, such as Museum Africa in the Newtown district. While you're in the area you might as well drop into the SAB World Of Beer. Johannesburg also houses many art galleries, including the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park.
If you are visiting Johannesburg over the Easter holidays, then don't miss the excitement of the Rand Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Nasrec.
History and military buffs will enjoy a visit to the SA Museum of Military History in Saxonwald, near the zoo. And if old trains and trams are your thing, then you must see the collection of old public vehicles at the James Hall Museum of Transport, located beside the racetrack.
Greater Johannesburg is a city built on the earnings and expectations of gold. The people are fast go-getters, it is a city bursting with energy and with the whole world to offer the visitor. It is a city that cannot be bypassed.
33 on First Guesthouse is situated a stone's throw from the Bohemian suburb of Melville's famous 7th Street with its vibe atmosphere, pavement cafes, cozy restaurants, antique/vintage stores and cocktail clubs, we are in the perfect location to explore Jo
Rockridge Manor is a bed and breakfast establishment situated in Fairland, Johannesburg. Architecturally designed in raw brick, wood & glass and atriums to blend with the garden of indigenous trees and rock.
Homestay Travel Guesthouse provides both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Roodepoort in Gauteng's Greater Johannesburg area. Located in the quiet suburb of Little Falls this bed and breakfast is conveniently situated clos
Self catering accommodation in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. Including office area and within walking distance restaurants, shops and pubs. A sports club is on the boundary of the establishment.
7th Street Guesthouse and Conference Venue is a 4 star graded by TGCSA, with 13 luxury en suite rooms equipped with DSTV, Wifi internet access, heaters, hairdryers, fans, digital safes, coffee/tea facilities and bar fridges stocked with compliment...
Set in the tranquility of the enclosed & secured equestrian estate of Beaulieu, Midrand, is 'The Paddocks'. An up-market, two bedroom, self-catering cottage at affordable prices. Peace and tranquility as well as magnificent views...
Erica Lodge is a well established Guest house situated in Alberton. We are 5 min from Alrode, Wadeville and Rand Airport. Easy access to N3 Freeway and 15 min from OR Tambo International Airport. We are also a 20 minute drive from exciting tourist...
Aquanzi Lodge a 4 star establishment which offers luxury, bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation to visitors in Johannesburg
Villa D'or Guest House in Fourways offers high quality modern accommodation with the focus on comfort and entertainment. Villa D'or is known for its exceptional hygiene and cleanliness and its warm friendly atmosphere.
Forest Town Guest Cottages situated in Forest Town in Johannesburg. These attractively and comfortably furnished villas are self-contained, separate and private, 1- and 2-bedroom villas to suit families, the business traveller and tourists.
Welcome to The Roosters Nest BnB, a family owned and -run guesthouse which is set in beautiful tranquil country surroundings, and boasts a beautiful lush garden with lots of old, big trees which offer a restful country feel.
49 on Norman is an establishment that was purposely designed with the discerning business traveler and tourist in mind - providing luxury, comfort, and spacious accommodation in a stylish setting.
The bedrooms are spacious, beautifully furnished and each has a bathroom en-suite, DStv, under-floor heating, fans and easy access to tea/coffee facilities. The restaurant offers and excellent quality of home cooked meals. Full English breakfast ...
Full English Breakfast tailored to your personal preference. Swimming pool set in beautiful garden. Laundry service available. DStv. Secure parking. Close to restaurants, cinemas and theatres. Within easy reach of Montecasino. Easy access to ...
Hoopoe Haven situated in beautiful Chartwell, Gauteng. It is a place to relax and unwind in the peace and quiet of the countryside. There's variety of self-catering accommodation available to suite groups from 1 person to 50.
The stylish, individually decorated accommodation has a colonial, Victorian feel. Guests may choose between private, fully equipped one and half, two or three bed-roomed self-catering cottages, fully equipped kitchens and TV. We also have fax, ...
The Apartment is a double story self catering fully equipped with linen and towels. It can sleep 4 persons. Downstairs it boasts an open plan kitchen - equipped with dishwasher, microwave, fridge opening on to the dining room area, a bathroom ...
Nestled in the leafy Northern Johannesburg suburb of Gallo Manor, a lodge of distinction and style awaits you. Situated on the prestigious Johannesburg Country Club Golf Course minutes away from the heart of Sandton.
Kingstone is a Self Catering Flat set in a quite cul de sac at 7 Adam Tasman Place, Constantia Kloof, Florida, West Rand, Gauteng, South Africa.
Set in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, you will find this gem of luxury accommodation and lush gardens, designed to meet the needs of the business or leisure traveller.